 | Kids may not always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before eating, but it's a message worth repeating. Hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick. |
| | Why is hand washing so important? Germs – such as bacteria and viruses – can be transmitted several different ways, especially by touching dirty hands or changing dirty diapers. Germs can also spread on contaminated surfaces, through sneezes and coughs, in contaminated water and food, or through a sick person’s body fluids. |
| | Why is hand washing so important? If kids pick up germs from a contaminated source, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. And once a child is infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness. |
| | Good hand washing is your first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses – and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, the flu, hepatitis A and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands. |
| |  Here are some simple steps for scrubbing germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your child – or better yet, wash your hands with your child several times a day so he or she learns how important this good habit is.
- Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands
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- Use soap and lather up for about 10-15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary – any soap will do).
- Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to "hang out".
- Don't forget the wrists!
- Finally, rinse thoroughly and dry well with a clean towel.
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| | If your child is reluctant about hand washing, try using colorful soaps made especially for children. Some soaps also come in interesting shapes or have appealing scents to make hand washing fun. Or have your child sing a favorite song while lathering up – by the time the song is over, the germs should be washed away! |
| | For toddlers, learning how to make a good lather out of soap (especially bar soap) can be a bit difficult. To make things a little easier, try one of the liquid soap products that turn into a foam when pumped from the dispenser. You can find these on store shelves with other liquid soaps or with children’s soap products. |
| | If you find yourself without a handy place to wash up or in a public restroom that has run out of soap, don’t worry! Carry a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your purse, pocket or diaper bag. Squirt a little on the hands and rub it all over your hands until they are dry. These products are proven to kill germs on your hands. One caution: if using with younger children, be sure to supervise them until the gel has dried — they shouldn’t put the gel in their mouth or touch their eyes, etc. |
| | Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink with your child could save you trips to the doctor's office. |
| |  To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
- before eating and cooking
- after using the bathroom
- after cleaning around the house
- after touching animals, including family pets
- after visiting or taking care of any friends or relatives
- after blowing one's nose, coughing or sneezing
- after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)
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